Can they just go ahead and build the turbines?
No, they can't. Planning permission is required. The University of Nottingham hopes to make an application in February 2011.
Is there a law about the distance between turbines and houses?
The short answer is no. “There is no minimum separation distance in English planning law or guidance."(1) Instead, the planning process considers the distances between turbines and nearby properties in relation to guidelines covering noise. Find out more about noise.
How do we compare to other countries?
Many countries recommend minimum distances between large wind turbines and properties. For example, “Scotland suggests 2 km separation, largely because of the visual effect, and Wales 500 metres.” “Denmark is one of the most successful countries in the development of onshore wind power… if Danish rules applied…many householders would become liable for compensation for loss of property value.”(2)
Will I be compensated if my property drops in value?
No. "There is no compensation for those living near a wind farm."(3)
What about noise?
There are published guidelines regarding wind farm noise. For an explanation of these, please visit our noise page. The government has recently commissioned further research on the impact of noise, but it is not known when this will be published.
What is the current government’s policy?
The current coalition government is strongly in favour of renewable energy projects, including wind power. However, early this year, the Conservatives indicated that wind farms are not appropriate in places where local communities object strongly: “On-shore wind farms are not appropriate in all settings: local community consent is vital, and applications will need to be considered in the light of the possible impact on the local environment.”(4)
Is the law going to change in the future?
A bill was recently introduced in the House of Lords which aims to set minimum distances between turbines and residential properties. This minum distances would depend on the size of the turbines. In the case of the turbines proposed for the Beeston / Clifton site, the minimum distance would be 2000 metres - this is much, much greater than the plans from the University of Nottingam. A date for the second reading of the bill has yet to be announced. You can view the bill here.
A separate bill was recently introduced in the House of Commons which, if it becomes law, will give local authorities the power to specify minimum distances between turbines and residential properties.(5) This bill is due for its second reading in June 2011.
A separate bill was recently introduced in the House of Commons which, if it becomes law, will give local authorities the power to specify minimum distances between turbines and residential properties.(5) This bill is due for its second reading in June 2011.
